Basil: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:20, 31 May 2025

Introduction

Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil, is a plant species within the genus Ocimum and the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is renowned for its culinary and medicinal properties, particularly its carminative effects^[1]. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, with significant cultural and culinary importance worldwide^[2]^[3]. The name “basil” is often associated with the Greek word for “king,” reflecting its historical use in royal perfumes and its esteemed status as “the king of herbs”^[4]^[5].

Characteristics

Physical Characteristics: Basil plants typically grow between 1 and 5 feet tall, with glossy, ovate leaves that are arranged oppositely on square stems. The leaves can be green or purple, depending on the variety^[6]. Flowers are small and white, growing from a central inflorescence^[7].
Growing Conditions: Basil prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is highly sensitive to frost and is usually grown as an annual in temperate climates but can be perennial in warmer regions^[8]^[9].
Lifecycle: Basil is an annual or short-lived perennial herb. It thrives in warm temperatures and requires protection from frost^[10].

Why is this crop useful for space?

Basil could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Air Purification: Like many plants, basil can help purify the air by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is crucial in closed environments like spacecraft^[11]. - Psychological Benefits: Growing plants in space can have psychological benefits for astronauts, providing a sense of connection to nature and improving mental health^[12]. - Nutritional Value: Basil is rich in vitamins A and K, and its essential oils have antimicrobial properties, which could be valuable in space where access to fresh herbs is limited^[13]. - Low Maintenance: Basil is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for controlled environments like hydroponic systems used in space^[14].

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

While specific information on the cultivation of Ocimum basilicum in space is not readily available, there have been experiments with growing plants in space. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown various crops, including lettuce and zinnia flowers, on the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments aim to develop sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions^[15]. Basil, with its ease of cultivation and nutritional benefits, could be a candidate for future space gardening initiatives. However, specific details on basil cultivation in space are not documented in the available literature.

References

[1] ttps://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy/Ocimum-basilicum

[2] ttps://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy/Ocimum-basilicum

[3] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[4] ttps://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf

[5] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[6] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[7] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[8] ttps://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf

[9] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[10] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[11] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[12] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[13] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[14] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[15] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{PlantProfile
-| scientific_name = Ocimum basilicum
+| scientific_name = Ocimum basiclicum
 | family = Lamiaceae
-| varieties = <li>Pluto (ID: 32)</li>
+| varieties = <li>Genovese "prosepera compact" (pelleted) (ID: 168)</li>
-<li>Chinese Sweet (ID: 166)</li>
+<li>Genovese "prosepera compact" (non-pelleted) (ID: 169)</li>
-<li>Lime (ID: 182)</li>
-<li>Newton (ID: 189)</li>
-<li>Everleaf Emerald Tower (ID: 190)</li>
-<li>Persian (ID: 164)</li>
-<li>Dark Purple Opal (ID: 175)</li>
-<li>Lemon (ID: 186)</li>
-<li>Thai Hily "Kaprao" (ID: 184)</li>
-<li>Cinnamon (ID: 165)</li>
-<li>Sweet (ID: 150)</li>
-<li>Thai Sweet (ID: 183)</li>
-<li>Lettuce Leaf (ID: 174)</li>
-<li>Ghana akokomesa (ID: 187)</li>
-<li>Purple Ball (ID: 167)</li>
-<li>Mammolo (ID: 179)</li>
-<li>African Nunum (ID: 185)</li>
-<li>Blue Spice (ID: 180)</li>
-<li>Emily (ID: 181)</li>
-<li>Dolce Fresca (ID: 188)</li>
 }}
 <span id="introduction"></span>
 == Introduction ==
-'''Ocimum basilicum''', commonly known as sweet basil, is a herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia but is now cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. The plant is renowned for its aromatic leaves and flowers, which are rich in volatile compounds like linalool and methyl chavicol<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. Basil has significant cultural and religious importance, particularly in the Greek Orthodox Church<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. With over 60 varieties, basil is a versatile herb used in various cuisines, including Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
+'''Ocimum basilicum''', commonly known as sweet basil, is a plant species within the genus ''Ocimum'' and the family ''Lamiaceae'' (mints). It is renowned for its culinary and medicinal properties, particularly its carminative effects<ref>https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy/Ocimum-basilicum</ref>. Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, with significant cultural and culinary importance worldwide<ref>https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy/Ocimum-basilicum</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. The name “basil” is often associated with the Greek word for “king,” reflecting its historical use in royal perfumes and its esteemed status as “the king of herbs”<ref>https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
 <span id="characteristics"></span>
 == Characteristics ==
-* '''Physical Characteristics''': Basil plants typically grow between 1 and 5 feet tall, with glossy, ovate leaves arranged oppositely on square stems. The leaves can be green or purple, depending on the variety<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. Flowers are small and white, often removed to promote leaf growth<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689</ref>.
+* '''Physical Characteristics''': Basil plants typically grow between 1 and 5 feet tall, with glossy, ovate leaves that are arranged oppositely on square stems. The leaves can be green or purple, depending on the variety<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. Flowers are small and white, growing from a central inflorescence<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
-* '''Growing Conditions''': Basil prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It can be grown from seed or transplanted after the last frost<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ocimum-basilicum</ref>.
+* '''Growing Conditions''': Basil prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is highly sensitive to frost and is usually grown as an annual in temperate climates but can be perennial in warmer regions<ref>https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
-* '''Lifecycle''': In temperate climates, basil is treated as an annual, but it can be a short-lived perennial in warmer regions<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
+* '''Lifecycle''': Basil is an annual or short-lived perennial herb. It thrives in warm temperatures and requires protection from frost<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
 <span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>
 == Why is this crop useful for space? ==
-Basil could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: 1. '''Air Purification''': Like other plants, basil can help purify the air by removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is crucial in closed environments like space stations. 2. '''Food Source''': Basil is a nutritious and flavorful herb that can enhance the culinary experience in space, improving morale and providing essential nutrients. 3. '''Stress Relief''': The aroma of basil has been linked to stress relief and mood improvement, which could be beneficial for astronauts during long missions. 4. '''Low Maintenance''': Basil is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for controlled environments like hydroponic systems used in space.
+Basil could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Air Purification''': Like many plants, basil can help purify the air by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is crucial in closed environments like spacecraft<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. - '''Psychological Benefits''': Growing plants in space can have psychological benefits for astronauts, providing a sense of connection to nature and improving mental health<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. - '''Nutritional Value''': Basil is rich in vitamins A and K, and its essential oils have antimicrobial properties, which could be valuable in space where access to fresh herbs is limited<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. - '''Low Maintenance''': Basil is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for controlled environments like hydroponic systems used in space<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>.
-<span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space"></span>
+<span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space-if-there-is-any"></span>
-== History of Cultivation in Space ==
+== History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any) ==
-While there is no specific history of '''Ocimum basilicum''' being cultivated in space, there have been experiments with growing plants in space to study their growth and potential benefits for future missions. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown various plants, including lettuce and zinnia flowers, on the International Space Station. These experiments pave the way for future cultivation of herbs like basil in space.
+While specific information on the cultivation of ''Ocimum basilicum'' in space is not readily available, there have been experiments with growing plants in space. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown various crops, including lettuce and zinnia flowers, on the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments aim to develop sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref>. Basil, with its ease of cultivation and nutritional benefits, could be a candidate for future space gardening initiatives. However, specific details on basil cultivation in space are not documented in the available literature.
-'''References:'''
-<ref>https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf</ref> Christopher Sullivan. ''Herbs Basil (Ocimum basilicum)''. Academics, Hamilton College. <ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689</ref> Missouri Botanical Garden. ''Ocimum basilicum''. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil</ref> Wikipedia. ''Basil''. <ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ocimum-basilicum</ref> North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. ''Ocimum basilicum''. <ref>https://novapublishers.com/shop/ocimum-basilicum-taxonomy-cultivation-and-uses</ref> Nova Publishers. ''Ocimum basilicum: Taxonomy, Cultivation and Uses''. NASA. ''Veggie Project''. (Note: This reference is not directly linked in the search results but is a known project related to space cultivation.)
 == References ==
 <references />